pages: TransportationCommission/2007-02-28.pdf, 7
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TransportationCommission | 2007-02-28 | 7 | addition, it may be difficult to coordinate such a service with AC Transit in terms of providing riders with information such as maps. Chair Knox White noted that this study originated from the Council's interest in developing a service that would utilize electric vehicles, and added that some cities continued to use electric vehicles. He suggested that since the analysis does not recommend electric vehicles, that a more detailed explanation should be provided. Mr. Atkinson noted that given the route under consideration - connecting Alameda to Oakland through the tube - that the grade in the Tube would be a challenge for these vehicles. Chair Knox White would like to know more about the advantages and disadvantages. He noted that Santa Barbara still ran electric buses, and would like more information. He believed Alameda would be a good place to run electric vehicles because it was generally flat, so it would help to include a description of circumstances under which such vehicles would be a viable option. Mr. Atkinson noted that the Phase 3 route as shown on the map would be an ideal application for electric buses because it was short and flat, operates only within Alameda, and had the opportunity for charging between runs. Chair Knox White asked that the report include a summary grid of the cost information. He believed the conclusion should be more robust, and that the recommendations should include some options. For example, if the City chooses to run electric shuttles, the pluses and minuses should be included, including higher capital and maintenance costs. Mr. Atkinson noted that Staff Bergman had made similar recommendations that separated the monetary concerns from the other recommendations in a more sequential manner. He noted that he wanted to include pricing on bio-diesel, and added that fueling stations were often donated. He suggested that a bio-diesel fueling station could be constructed in the West End, and added that the technology was continually advancing. He added that resistance to bio-fuels was beginning to relax on the vehicle manufacturers' part. Commissioner Schatmeier inquired about the source of the higher maintenance for electric vehicles. Mr. Atkinson noted that it was because of the use of prototype vehicles for which replacement parts are not standardized and readily available. Commissioner Schatmeier requested that more detail be provided about electric buses, since that was a major reason the study was undertaken. Commissioner Krueger inquired whether the European track record had been examined. Transportation Commission February 28, 2007 Page 7 of 9 | TransportationCommission/2007-02-28.pdf |